Pilot in WASP program dies at 93

FILE PHOTO - Bernhardt, 90, wanted to be a pilot since she was 13-years-old. She signed up for the volunteer pilot program and was one only a few that were accepted. She flew non-combat missions during World War II in all types of military craft including bombers and was also an instructor. (Alan Youngblood/Ocala Star-Banner)2010

By Carlos E. MedinaCorrespondent

Published: Friday, May 17, 2013 at 5:46 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 17, 2013 at 10:02 p.m.

Marguerite Bernhardt, who was among the 1,102 women pilots who served during World War II, died Wednesday at Hospice of Marion County's Estelle's House. She was 93.

Bernhardt was part of the Women Airforce Service Pilot program, which was active from 1942-44. The women pilots trained men to fly, and they also shuttled airplanes across the country in non-combat roles. The program was designed to free up male pilots for combat.

Bernhardt said that, with the exception of the birth of her son, being part of the WASPs was the best experience of her life. It was something few people knew about the native of Hartford, Conn., until 2010.

After more than 65 years, the government got around to honoring the women, who were not officially recognized as veterans until 1977, despite serving under the command of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Though she was not able to travel to Washington, D.C., to personally receive her Congressional Gold Medal, Bernhardt became a celebrity among the local flying community.

"We clicked. We talked about flying a lot. I took her up in my plane, she just loved flying. When she came back from the war, women weren't accepted as pilots. She didn't get back into it until the last few years of her life," said Connie McConnell, who befriended Bernhardt.

McConnell said Bernhardt would take the controls during recent flights and would "lose herself" while piloting the aircraft.

Being a pilot was something Bernhardt dreamed about for most of her early life, but she deferred that dream after her prospects as a pilot dimmed after the war. Instead, she became a mother and a wife — and locked away her flying exploits for decades.

"I'm so glad she was able to get back behind the controls of an airplane. She went up in a Piper Cub, which is the type of plane she learned on," McConnell said. "She was able to fly in a T-6 (Texan), which had the instruments that she trained the men on."

Bernhardt was a favorite at local ceremonies and functions. She even travelled with McConnell to airshows and other aviation-related events.

"My husband and I said she was the best of the best of the best. The WASPs got 25,000 applications. Out of that, 2,000 were selected and only half completed the training. She was just one of a kind. She was feisty and strong-willed, but she was the most gentle person that you would ever know, and always gracious about everything," McConnell said.

Bernhardt was preceded in death by her son Robin Bernhardt. Survivors include her brother George Tuffin, one granddaughter and two great-granddaughters.

Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at a later date.

<p>Marguerite Bernhardt, who was among the 1,102 women pilots who served during World War II, died Wednesday at Hospice of Marion County's Estelle's House. She was 93.</p><p>Bernhardt was part of the Women Airforce Service Pilot program, which was active from 1942-44. The women pilots trained men to fly, and they also shuttled airplanes across the country in non-combat roles. The program was designed to free up male pilots for combat.</p><p>Bernhardt said that, with the exception of the birth of her son, being part of the WASPs was the best experience of her life. It was something few people knew about the native of Hartford, Conn., until 2010.</p><p>After more than 65 years, the government got around to honoring the women, who were not officially recognized as veterans until 1977, despite serving under the command of the U.S. Army Air Corps.</p><p>Though she was not able to travel to Washington, D.C., to personally receive her Congressional Gold Medal, Bernhardt became a celebrity among the local flying community.</p><p>"We clicked. We talked about flying a lot. I took her up in my plane, she just loved flying. When she came back from the war, women weren't accepted as pilots. She didn't get back into it until the last few years of her life," said Connie McConnell, who befriended Bernhardt.</p><p>McConnell said Bernhardt would take the controls during recent flights and would "lose herself" while piloting the aircraft.</p><p>Being a pilot was something Bernhardt dreamed about for most of her early life, but she deferred that dream after her prospects as a pilot dimmed after the war. Instead, she became a mother and a wife — and locked away her flying exploits for decades.</p><p>"I'm so glad she was able to get back behind the controls of an airplane. She went up in a Piper Cub, which is the type of plane she learned on," McConnell said. "She was able to fly in a T-6 (Texan), which had the instruments that she trained the men on."</p><p>Bernhardt was a favorite at local ceremonies and functions. She even travelled with McConnell to airshows and other aviation-related events.</p><p>"My husband and I said she was the best of the best of the best. The WASPs got 25,000 applications. Out of that, 2,000 were selected and only half completed the training. She was just one of a kind. She was feisty and strong-willed, but she was the most gentle person that you would ever know, and always gracious about everything," McConnell said.</p><p>Bernhardt was preceded in death by her son Robin Bernhardt. Survivors include her brother George Tuffin, one granddaughter and two great-granddaughters.</p><p>Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at a later date.</p>